When I was a youngster, I used to go to the YMCA in Pune to fly kites. Sometimes the members who came early used to say, "Arrey, chokra, come and throw the ball." I used to go and throw the ball at them. I didn't know how to bowl or bat or field. When practice got over, around 6 or 6.30, I used to help collect the nets or roll the mat and water the ground.

Cricket was never played in our family. Nobody knew cricket.

I always say, "Ranji Trophy cricket was given to me by Maharashtra, and Test cricket was given to me by Baroda." Playing with Vijay Hazare, DK Gaekwad, [Gogumal] Kishenchand, Deepak Shodhan - they were Test players - my game improved. Then I was selected to go to Pakistan in 1954-55.

We are five brothers and five sisters. In those days family planning did not exist. It was such a big family to feed. Sometimes my mother used to keep some food aside for me.

The captain of the Poona Club was Nosh Nagarwala, he was a well-known personality in Pune. I had done well against them. Nosh said, "he is an upcoming boy, send him from tomorrow to play for our club." I bowled and batted more regularly, and became a regular player of their team. Mr Nagarwala encouraged me quite a lot.

Bowling at Hazare in the nets helped me a great deal. He never used to speak much, but if I was doing something wrong, he would tell me.

At a function in Madras, Sir Frank Worrell told us that there were bowlers in the West Indies team who were very, very quick, and you've got to be very quick on your feet. In those days they used to bowl beamers, and the front-foot rule was also not there, so they used to bowl from 18 yards.

We were once playing at a school ground. A few overs were left and the captain felt sorry for me because I was only fielding, running around, throwing the ball, no shoes, nothing. He said, "Come on, bowl", and I bowled legspin and picked up three wickets. Next day, in the newspaper Sakaal, there was a line, saying, "Borde, three wickets." When my family read that, they started encouraging me.

In Madras in 1959, [v West Indies], they gave me another chance. I failed in the first innings and I thought that was the end of my cricketing career. In the evening I was in my hotel room. My elder brother had come there for some work. He came, he sat, he saw my face, and we prayed together. In the second innings I got 56 and that was a turning point in my Test career.

I had to borrow a cricket bat once. In fact, when I went to Pakistan, I had to borrow clothes.

Jasu Patel was cutting and spinning the ballin Kanpur [1959] - he became absolutely unplayable. He took nine wickets in the first innings, I took the other one. A businessman invited us to dinner on the day we won and said, "We'll give you Rs 1000 each as a gift." We were paid just Rs 250 per Test in those days, and the fifth day's allowance was cut if the game ended on the fourth day. That Rs 1000 is still to come.

Roy Gilchrist's bouncers were very dangerous. They used to come up gradually, so they were difficult to avoid. Whereas with Wes Hall's bouncers, one could duck and go away.

After we beat England at home in 1961, we wanted to play against anybody. Before that, whenever we played a Test, the tension was different.

We had a lot of backing from the crowd in Trinidad because there are a lot of Indians there. They love their game in the West Indies. They used to have a good drink and sometimes some of them used to be just lying there after the game.

"Rohan Kanhai said, 'Chandu, I want to celebrate this century.' He then asked, 'Do you know why?' I asked, 'Why?' He said, 'It's because you are alive, that's why.'"

It was in a warm-up game in Barbados [1961-62 tour] that Nari Contractor was hit [on the head, by Charlie Griffith]. I took him to the hospital, with Ghulam Ahmed, the manager of the team. Myself, Bapu Nadkarni, Polly Umrigar and Frank Worrell gave blood. Charlie Griffith was also there, feeling sorry. The lights went off as the operation was going on. We thought that was a bad omen. It took three to four hours. That was miserable.

We had no helmet, no elbow guard, no chest guard. The thigh pad was just a small thing. Sometimes we used to put gloves in our pockets for protection.

Against Australia at the CCI [1964], there was so much pressure on me in the fourth innings. Tom Veivers was bowling round the wicket and he bowled one outside the leg stump. We got four byes there. Then he bowled leg stump again and I hit a nice on-drive with the turn and got the four runs needed. I scored some 30-odd runs and we won. It was Dussera. They lifted me up after the win. Raj Kapoor [actor] was there at the game, and some other people. They took my bat away. I never got it back. It was a brand new bat.

We were playing against Madhya Pradesh in Indore once. I didn't know what to do against Mushtaq Ali. I would bowl and he would hit me out of the ground. In the evening, after the game, we were just sitting in the Yeshwantrao Club. I went to him and asked him, "Sir, can you tell me what I was doing wrong?" He said, "Chandu, whenever you bowled, you looked down and not at the batsman. The moment you looked down, I used to come forward and hit you." He said, "Look at the batsman and bowl." And that helped me.

When I was on 96in Chennai [1967], Griffith bowled a bouncer, similar to the ball that hit Nari. When you are batting on 96, you are seeing the ball nicely, but against that bouncer, what happened, I didn't know. The ball just kissed my hair and went for four. In the evening, Rohan [Kanhai], who had been watching from the slips, came to my room. He said, "Chandu, I want to celebrate this century." He then asked, "Do you know why?" I asked, "Why?" He said, "It's because you are alive, that's why." That ball could have killed me.

English people, they have respect for their captains' instructions. If they are not followed, you may get any number of runs, but you are out of the side. They give more preference to the team than individual performance. In India, after anybody gets 246, I don't think a selection committee will have the guts to drop him.

In New Zealand in 1967, we had a good bunch of boys. We had spinners and medium-pacers, the captain managed them beautifully, and because of that we were successful. Back then we didn't have these man-management things, or trainers, or physiotherapists. We didn't have many meetings or discussions either. Very rarely. That's because everybody knew his responsibility.

Gilchrist was a different sort of a character. We were sitting and chit-chatting once and he said, "My first objective is to hit the batsman. The moment I hit them, I know I've got them. Then they'll run away from my bowling and it's an easy thing for me."

In my only Test as captain,in Adelaide, I was 60-something and was given out lbw for no rhyme or reason to John Gleeson in the first innings. I went down the wicket, well forward, and was given out lbw. The umpiring was the worst in Australia that year. In another Test, we lost by 30-odd runs. The person who gave me out, his name was Egar [Col Egar]. He was eager to give me out.

In Delhi [1959, v West Indies], on the last day, Vijay [Manjrekar] alerted me when the last over was being bowled. Gilchrist bowled a bouncer and I hooked it. It went for four and the crowds barged in, but I had touched the bails and was given out hit-wicket. That's how I missed a century in each innings. But it's a good thing. Whenever people meet me, they say, "Oh, you should have got that." Then I ask them, "How many people do you know who have got a century in each innings?" They can't answer. I say, "It's because I missed it that you remember."

There was nothing between [Mansur Ali Khan] Pataudi and me, absolutely nothing. We had very good relations. The only thing is, Pat never used to speak a lot - he was a reserved kind of guy. Spending so much time in England, those things showed in his attitude. He used to call me, "Hey maestro." Unfortunately the media took the wrong impression - maybe they didn't like me or they didn't like him.

When you play for the country, your aim should be to do something good for the team, and if the opportunity comes, you can lead the side also. To lead your country is a great honour and everybody should aspire to that.

When I was dropped, I was shocked, but what can you do? The Aussies were very happy. They said, "Congratulations, Chandu." I asked why. "Because you are dropped." I believe it was three and two, that's how the selectors were divided.

"We had no helmet, no elbow guard, no chest guard. The thigh pad was just a small thing. Sometimes we used to put gloves in our pockets for protection"

In my final Ranji Trophy game, I fractured a bone in my face. I was at short leg, it was the last over before tea or something, and it must have been Venky [S Venkatraghavan] who hit the ball. In the fourth innings I just went out there. I couldn't bat properly. We should have won that one.

We go to church regularly. In cricket there is always a chance for you to come back. In the first innings you don't do well, in the second innings you get to perform. It helps you take victory and defeat in the same manner.

I can say this confidently, that whenever we have needed something, or desired something, God has provided it. For instance, we were staying in a one-room place. Then, after my marriage, I got a separate house. Then we had children and we got a bigger flat, in the same area. Whenever we prayed for or wanted something, we didn't get it immediately, but we got it in time. That's why my family, we are never worried.

After Kapil was dropped following the Delhi Test in 1984-85, the entire country was not very happy, particularly north India. So when my flight reached there and I went to [NKP] Salve Sir's house, as I got down from the car, I saw these two going back - Gavaskar and Kapil. I went in and was told everything was sorted out. But in Calcutta again there was a problem. Some people said Kapil should apologise in writing. I said that once a person has admitted that he regrets making a mistake, there is no point, he is such a great cricketer. But there was a difference of opinion between us. I was not very happy that he was asked to sit out.

I am part of a social organisation called Tridal, which includes participation from the army, navy and air force. I am one of the committee members there. We do a lot of social work with Deepagriha, which is concerned with children's education. Ladies are given training, sewing machines are given to them, medical facilities are also provided.

When we used to play, eight or nine players were from Bombay. The three of us were from outside: Pankaj Roy, Nari Contractor and myself. They were getting a lot of publicity. Now there is so much competition and so many good cricketers are coming. After Sachin [Tendulkar], you tell me who has been a certainty from Mumbai? Mumbai will have to do something about it.

My selection philosophy is simple and straightforward. The first thing is, the person has to be 100% fit. Secondly, his attitude: he must play for the team. Another thing is his contribution to the team. When we won the World Cup in 1983, there were so many allrounders. It was because of their contribution. Each one gave something - if they fail in bowling they can compensate and give in batting. I still believe in that theory.

I gave an opportunity to that fellow Azharuddin. Sunil was the captain. We were walking onto the ground. Sunil said, "Sir, Azhar has never played, it will be better if we have an experienced person." I said, "You are absolutely right, you need an experienced person to play in front of such a big crowd." But then I told him, "Listen, I watched this boy in Hyderabad, and his fielding, his contribution to the team will be better than [Chandrakant] Pandit." He can compensate in fielding and batting. He made a century.

It's very difficult to change everything overnight. If you tell a player to change a little bit, that helps quite a lot. To do that is easy. To change his overall game is difficult.

LOGIN TO POST YOUR COMMENTS

Fantastic read about a genuine human being. Hats Off to his achievements and wish him the best!

POSTED BY Cricinfo on | April 4, 2013, 7:49 GMT

To Rowayton. The quote referring to "five to six batsmen" has been removed for the reason you've mentioned. Thank you for pointing it out.

POSTED BY David on | April 4, 2013, 7:21 GMT

Unfortunate that you linked to the scorecard of the game where Borde accused Aussie umpires of '5 or 6' wrong lbws. There were only two Indians out lbw in that game (as well as 2 Aussies). One of the main reasons India lost 4 to nil in that series was that their fielding, with some exceptions, was appalling. One dropped catch in Sydney off Cowper, who scored another 130 or so runs, was almost comical.

POSTED BY Dummy4 on | April 4, 2013, 6:03 GMT

Nice to get the insights of Chandu Borde. He could also referenced Salim Durrani - as they had a big hand together , especially in the England series at home during the early sixties.

Borde was also the most accomplished batsman against pace attack during the mid-sixties, especially at home. However, in his overseas series against Australia and in England during the latter part of sixties , he could not score much runs against the pace attack ,including by the bowlers like John Snow, Mckenzie etc.

An unsung hero of the Indian cricket team during the Sixties!

POSTED BY Santanu on | April 4, 2013, 1:34 GMT

A true all rounder! Note what he says about playing for the team and not for the sake of building records. There was less cronism in team selection in those days -- gods could be dropped. The Indian board had not yet turned into a family run business enterprise.

POSTED BY Joe on | April 3, 2013, 19:59 GMT

Chandu Borde is a real fine gentleman and a great cricketer. Unfortunately, we don't find too many cricketer's like him these days. The first test match I saw was in Delhi (1959) between West Indies & India, where he scored a century in the first innings and 96 (hit wicket) in the second innings. He was very brave and played Hall & Gilchrist quite well and his effort helped India draw the match. Just shows how good his technique was to play Hall & Gilchrist without a helmet and other protection modern players use. He was quite popular with the spectators.

POSTED BY Dummy4 on | April 3, 2013, 11:34 GMT

Recall as a small kid watching Chandu Borde scoring 177 not out @ Corporation Stadium - Madras during 1960-61 against Fazal Mohamed led Pakistan. Gem of an innings. The trios - Polly Umrigar / Babu Nadkarni / Chandu Borde - can never forget.

POSTED BY Dummy4 on | April 3, 2013, 10:37 GMT

Very good interview, love it when ex cricketers talk about the game and their lives.

Beautiful - loved the piece on this, please get a lot more of these.

POSTED BY Dummy4 on | April 3, 2013, 8:03 GMT

Interviews with ex-cricketers are always good to read.They played cricket during vastly different times than those we live in.Cricket back then was unglamorous,popular but not yet financially rewarding and viable.It was a simple sport played by men for purer reasons than making money fast.Cricket wisdom and anecdotes coming from them have a touch of romance that draws you.I know that cricinfo keeps coming up with such interviews with the gents from the earlier eras,but it would be rather nice if there were an exclusive section for the ex-cricketers and interviews with them.

About the man himself,Mr.Borde played his cricket with innate responsibility,pride and gumption.He was an excellent team man with an astute cricketing brain.He served the country through his cricketing talents for long,and it's nice to know that he is now involved with charity work,and is leading a fine life away from the game.I wish him well always.

POSTED BY Dummy4 on | April 3, 2013, 7:37 GMT

Great and enlightening interview...They are the pioneers of Indian cricket and the true heroes.Sometimes unsung...If you look at Borde's stats,they are staggerring considering the era he played in.Such inteviews really help in making the people understand the real patriots of the game while the nation is submerged in IPL fever...I also request cricinfo to publish more interviews of the other fathers of indian cricket because they are ones who really planted the seeds for whatever we are,in world cricket today...!!!

POSTED BY Subramani on | April 3, 2013, 7:30 GMT

Chandrakant Borde was one of the unsung greats in Indian cricket. I first saw him in Delhi in 1959 against what could be called the greatest West Indies team of all time. Roy Gilchrist as fearsome on the field as off it led their bowling with Wes Hall who had the usual West Indiian attitude and sunny disposition. I remember Chandu who made his debut earlier in the same series had made a slow beginning against awsome pace plus Atkinson and Sobers' fast medium, But in Madras he made his presence felt and then in Delhi he rose to his full stature. He scored 96 hit wicket and then scored a majestic century- his first--. He batted with no protection except the one we do not see and of course the pads and the batting gloves.He was truly 'gutsy' as we say these days. He had all the shots and was in the highest cricketing tradition of Baroda, of the Hazares and Gaekwads.He was also India's lucky mascot though he captained only once in Australia when Pataudi was injured. He was a true great.

POSTED BY Ramakrishnan on | April 3, 2013, 6:51 GMT

Thanks for the interview. Was able to recall those despatches from West Indies on the injury to Contractor. Borde was a decent non-flambuoyant cricketer but dependable. Good to know he and his family are living happily with what they have got. God be with them always.

POSTED BY Dummy4 on | April 3, 2013, 5:34 GMT

Chandu Borde was indeed one of our great cricketers.He was a simple and patriotice player. Along with Polly Umrigar he has saved many a match for India. Umrigar & Borde was a pair that always fought together.

He was a genuine all arounder and a gutsy person. Towards the end of his career he focussed more on his batting . If he were laying toady, he would have surely played over 175 tests matches and would have crossed 15,000 runs and 200 wickets very easily.
Very few were aware that he was one of the few Catholics to don Indian Cricket Colours.
Yes, the rumours were all wrong that he and Pataudi did not get on well. Yes the great Nawab was a man of few words and hardly talked much . It's nice that Borde has confirmed that he & Pat were great friends and admirers of each other.
We cricket followers felt sad that Chandu Borde could not play longer for India and missed him very much . May God Bless him immensely and may his tribe increase.

POSTED BY Ivan on | April 3, 2013, 5:30 GMT

Good interview. Players like Borde played under difficult circumstances so one has to admire them so much more. He must have been a seriously accomplished player to almost score a century in both innings against the likes of Hall, Griffith and Gilchrist, all without a helmet. When he talks about Australian umpiring, it hurts to see a recurring theme - even in 1981 SMG was scathing in his criticism and in 2008 we had Sydneygate (of course Bucknor was at fault then). I like his humility - that is a lesson for us. God gives one enough. And that should be enough. Long life to you Sir and god bless you!

POSTED BY Dummy4 on | April 3, 2013, 5:21 GMT

What a wonderful player and human being! Unfortunately, Borde rarely played well in Eden Gardens.Both in 1966 and 1969 Borde couldn't do anything noteworthy. The crowd was disappointed because Borde was very popular.

POSTED BY Ali on | April 3, 2013, 4:39 GMT

second chances?
really? I really hope Nikita Miller gets a second chance someday .....
1 Test 5 years ago , for a guy who has taken wickets at less than 15 Runs per and with 1.6 run Econ (over 200 wickets) in 1st class cricket since his one and only chance ....

I really hope he gets a second chance one day .....

POSTED BY vishal on | April 3, 2013, 4:39 GMT

Guys like Chandu Borde were the real cricketers. In those days, Aussies and British players were making money but Indians were getting by and these players played for Mother India. Now, when it's India who rules cricket with money and power well we have handful who are patriotic players. Other's just talk but don't walk it.